Let’s get straight to the point, Opeth are in a class of their own.
It has been interesting to observe how a young, naive ‘Death Metal’ band which formed in the cold climbs of Stockholm, Sweden slowly take over the Metal world with such class, finesse and a body of work that is both unique and mindblowing at the same time.
They first piqued my curiosity several years ago when I heard the sombre and melodic ‘Damnation’ album and became a diehard ever since. Their past two discs ‘Ghost Reveries’ and ‘Watershed’ have been landmark releases and have featured throughout this blog in past entries.
With the announcement of the ‘Watershed’ tour of Australia, there was no doubt in my mind that I was going to miss out on this gig so the necessary tickets were purchased well in advance - and the countdown to the gig began in earnest.
The band took the stage close to 11pm to a sold-out crowd at Melbourne’s Palace venue. (Formerly the Metro - where do they come up with these venue name’s, they can’t think of a different unique monicker?) Anyway. ‘Tis a great venue for gigs as it has that goth vibe to it and reminds me of something out of the original ‘Crow’ movie.
I had a gut feel that it was going to be an amazing concert and right from the outset they sounded so damn good. Meticulous oftentimes virtuoso playing, perfect crystal clear volume, a set comprising of the band’s finest moments and such a charismatic and down-to-Earth frontman in Mikael Åkerfeldt that just guaranteed for a special night.
The set was so well paced and finished with a trio of the band’s finest moments. Just when you would get sucked in to the melodic and often times beautiful tranquil moments, the band just kick it up 10 gears and slash your throat with a knife. Blistering. Spine tingling moments throughout. Never missing a beat. Never a dull moment.
And the scary thing about it all, they’re only going to get even better.
Astounding!
Set List?
do you remember the set list..i have most of it but is a little out of order.. also i thought the sound was terrible..i started on the third level and it just sounded like mud! ended up going down and it was a little better…but still wasnt loud enough. still amazing. opeth are a remarkable band!!
They are wonderful live! I saw them on the Ghoest Reveries tour - I’ll need to dig up some of the video I took with my camera back then.
Like you, I got into them through Damnation - was never a fan of the growl until I heard Opeth do it right. Frankly, I probably never would have listened to Strapping Young Lad if it weren’t for Opeth’s ability to make me appreciate both styles of vocals.
That’s why I’m not so concerned about missing this tour - they really are only going to get better. I’ve been playing Watershed almost nonstop, can’t wait to hear what they do next.
The only downside to the conert I saw was how many old songs they were still playing - I’m not so familiar with their previous albums. Was there more Watershed at this show?
I can’t remember the setlist but I do recall they did BLISTERING versions of ‘Deliverance’ and ‘Master’s Apprentice’ towards the end of the set.
MIND FUCKING BLOWING!!!!
i remembered all the songs i think but not in order,
Heir Apparent
The Lotus Eater
To Rid the Disease
Bleak
The Night And the Silent Water
The Baying of the Hounds
Masters Apprentice
Serenity Painted Death
Deliverance
Demon of the Fall
The Drapery Falls
Heir Apparent
Master’s Apprentices
The Baying of the Hounds
Serrenity Painted Death
To Rid the Disease
The Lotus Eater
Bleak
The Night and the Silent Water
Deliverence
Demon of the Fall
Encore:
Drapery Falls
correct order, amazinf set list. i love the fact that they do play alot of their old stuff. i was alot different back then. especially the first two albums.